About Plainfield Public Schools

Mission Statement

We, in partnership with our community, are accountable for creating a safe, inclusive, nurturing learning environment for all students to achieve their maximum potential.

District Overview

Plainfield Public Schools is located in Plainfield, New Jersey. Plainfield is a culturally vibrant town situated 30 miles southwest of New York City, historically known as “The Queen City." The Plainfield Public School District is a diverse, urban school system in Plainfield, New Jersey, serving over 10,000 students across 15 schools (9 elementary [DeWitt D. Barlow, Clinton, F. W. Cook, Emerson, Evergreen, Jefferson, Stillman, Washington], 1 K-8 Center [Cedarbrook], 2 middle [Frank J. Hubbard and Maxson], and 3 high schools [Plainfield High, PAAAS, and Pinnacle Academy) and 9 early childhood centers. The district is committed to providing high-quality education through a comprehensive curriculum, innovative programs, and strong community partnerships.

Guided by a Five-Year Strategic Plan, the district focuses on academic excellence, student engagement, and family involvement. It embraces technology integration, including a 1:1 Device Initiative, and prioritizes effective communication through platforms like ParentSquare and K12 Insight’s Let’s Talk.

Plainfield Public Schools also invest in student well-being and extracurricular opportunities, offering robust STEM, fine arts, and athletic programs. The district is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success.

Plainfield Public Schools Motto: 'Moving Plainfield Public Schools Forward'.

PPS Statistics

Annual Budget:  $220.9 Million Dollars

Schools and Pre-K Centers: 24

Student Enrollment: 8, 441

Pre-K Student Enrollment: 1, 340

Student Demographics:

  • African American – 19%

  • Hispanic – 82%

  • Other – 1.18%

  • Multiple Races – 0.34%

  • Free and Reduced Meals – 80%

  • Students with Disabilities – 16%

  • English Language Learners – 42%

Employees: 1,548

Plainfield Public Schools Curriculum:

The curriculum of the Plainfield Public School District is consistent with the educational goals and objectives of the District and the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). 

The Plainfield Board of Education is committed to the continuing improvement of the educational program of the District including the ongoing curriculum evaluations and modification in response to students' needs.

Upon completion of High School from Plainfield Public Schools, students will have received the following:

  • Preparation for employment or post-secondary study through our Career Counseling Center and Guidance department to assist in career and academic planning

  • Programs that encourage the active involvement of representatives from the community, business, industry, labor, and higher education in the development of educational programs aligned with the standards;

  • Instruction in language arts literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, visual and performing arts, comprehensive health and physical education, and workplace readiness skills;

  • A continuum of educational programs and services for children with disabilities;

  • Bilingual education, English as a Second Language, and English language services for pupils of limited English language proficiency;

  • Programs and services for pupils at risk who require remedial assistance and educational opportunities for students with exceptional abilities; and

  • Equal educational opportunities for all.

     

Plainfield Public Schools Academic Programs:

In addition to the core courses Plainfield Public Schools offers:

Advance Placement Language & Composition

Advance Placement Spanish Language

Advance Placement History

Advance Placement Biology

Advance Placement Chemistry

Advance Placement Physics

Latina Perspective

History of Racism and Social Justice

African American History

Criminal Justice

Sociology

Public Speaking

Creative Writing

Social Media

Forensic Science and Robotics

Marine Biology will be an addition to the course roster for next year.  

Plainfield Public Schools Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs: 

Allied Health

Marketing

Personal Finance

Web Design

Security Investments

Economics

Accounting

CISCO

Visual and Performing Arts

Business Management

Child Development

Wood Technology

AFJROTC

Culinary Arts

AVID

Fashion Design & Portfolio